We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Hall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first began a yoga practice in 2010, I was recently divorced and about to start a MBA program while working two part-time jobs in a new city. At first glance, it seemed like a lot to juggle but I thought, “what’s one more thing?” Quickly, I came to realize that adding yoga into my schedule was just what I needed to balance the workload and stress. It taught me how to be more mindful so that I could slow down when I needed to. It also taught me how to find ease in uncomfortable situations. Over time, this worked well as I moved into a new, full-time career, got married and had a child. Being busy kept me productive and successful.

When the pandemic hit, this “go, go, go” lifestyle, which had served me very well for many years, came to a screeching halt. I did not feel like myself and it took some time to adjust. As I softened into this “new normal” and found acceptance with more space, oh, I nestled right into it. Life is more fluid lately and sometimes it’s challenging to go with the flow of it. But when I stop fighting against the current, the ride is so much smoother.

What should our readers know about your business?
I truly believe yoga is a practice not just for a select few but for everybody. Every. Body. The stereotype of yoga in America is that only thin, white, rich, able, and privileged women do it. I call my business “An Average Yogi” because I already know that students who don’t fit that stereotype feel more welcome when they see someone who looks like them leading. I also am working on raising up more people of color in this profession wherever I can by inviting them to teach or by promoting their events and classes.

The promise I give to my students is that yoga with me will be welcoming, accessible, inspiring, fun and spacious. I promise that we will focus, we will laugh, and we will notice how different our bodies are and how they have different needs. We will meet our bodies where they are in that moment, and feel grateful for all we can do.

I teach primarily a vinyasa flow class which is the linking of breath to movement through a series of strengthening poses, intentional breath, stretch and rest. When requested, I also lead meditation, breathing exercises, slow flow, and yin/restorative classes. Most importantly, I believe my specialty is reading the room. I don’t normally prepare a scripted sequence but rather see who shows up, feel their energy and experience levels, and build the class organically and in the moment. The toolbox I have from over 12 years experience as a practitioner and exceptional training is what allows me to be so versatile.

Teaching yoga to the community, often in a public outdoor space, has a lot of challenges. Namely, the weather. I have built up a following of dedicated yogis who will come out in 55 degrees or 105 degrees, but it is certainly easier to build a consistent practice when you have a protected climate-controlled space. That is not a luxury we always have for classes and whenever it’s cold or raining, the classes are canceled, and that breaks my heart. Even so, I appreciate that the public spaces we use are accessible and welcoming for yoga students new and experienced.

In addition to teaching at The Studio in Fort Worth, out in the community, and for ticketed events, I recently launched a new offering for bachelorette and other private group parties called “Not Your Average Bachelorette”. You can experience a customized class for your group plus other fun add-ons like a Bubbles (champagne) Bar and styled photo shoot!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fort Worth is so much fun that I never have any reason to leave my little bubble. Here’s what we would do:

Monday: Walk around the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens followed by lunch and shopping at the Montgomery Antique Mall Tea Room

Tuesday: Catch the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive in the Stockyards, shop, and eat at Provender Hall with drinks at Sidesaddle Saloon after.

Wednesday: Day in Downtown with stops at the Water Gardens, Tarrant County Courthouse, Panther Island, and Sundance Square. Lunch and wine tasting at Neighbor’s House Grocery. End the night with a movie at Rooftop Cinema Club above and drinks at Sinclair Hotel’s rooftop bar.

Thursday: By now, we need a spa day. Milk + Honey at the Shops at Clearfork would be a good stop after lunch at Neiman Marcus. My community yoga class is nearby at the Clearfork Trailhead at 6pm that night.

Friday: Fort Worth is the city of Cowboys & Culture, so we must check out the museums. The Modern is free every Friday so we start there and maybe stay for lunch. The Kimbell is a must-see no matter what type of art you like, even if you just hang out for the architecture and water features, it’s so calming being there. Dress up for a dinner at Don Artemio or keep it casual at Gloria’s at Montgomery Plaza.

Saturday: Brunch at Spiral Diner is a must. If the weather is nice, we can do a stroll down Magnolia and the South Main St. areas for shopping and treats (like Melt Ice Cream or Emporium Pies, yum!) and chat with friendly locals. Find some live music concert or public event to wrap up the night.

Sunday: Low key nature visits at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge or the Tandy Hills Nature Center. Airline Falls would also be a neat stop! Get lunch at Nish! Mediterranean Cafe in River Oaks then wind our way back through the beautiful near west neighborhoods with big houses and beautiful landscaping.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Adrianne Porcelli, of Turquoise Video Productions, has been one of my biggest fans and friends since Day 1. With a talent of her own for photography and videography, she has offered to take my picture and make engaging videos to help promote my business. With a background in marketing and social media, she’s also eager to assist by sharing and engaging with my content regularly.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anaverageyogi

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-hall-66a2b23/

Facebook: www.fb.com/anaverageyogi

Image Credits
Melissa Stephens Adrianne Porcelli Twelve Midnight Mariel Garza

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.